Brazil Demands Limits on Trump's 'Board of Peace' Initiative

Lula calls for including 'Palestine' and restricting the board's scope to Gaza conflict

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pressed former U.S. President Donald Trump to make changes to his proposed 'Board of Peace' initiative, demanding that the body limit itself to the Gaza conflict and include a seat for 'Palestine'. Lula expressed concerns that the board could become more effective than the United Nations and expand Trump's global influence.

Why it matters

The dispute over the scope and membership of Trump's 'Board of Peace' highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Brazil, as well as broader debates about the role of international institutions in resolving global conflicts. Lula's leftist government has been skeptical of the board, seeing it as a challenge to the authority of the United Nations.

The details

In a phone call, Lula told Trump that Brazil would only participate in the 'Board of Peace' if it limited its focus to the Gaza conflict and included a representative from 'Palestine'. Lula also reiterated the importance of reforming and expanding the U.N. Security Council. Trump launched the 'Board of Peace' at the World Economic Forum, with the initial mission of aiding the reconstruction and security in Gaza. The board has already received commitments from 25 countries to participate.

  • Trump launched the 'Board of Peace' at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland last week.
  • On Monday, Lula spoke with Trump by phone to discuss the 'Board of Peace' initiative.

The players

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

The socialist President of Brazil who pressed Trump to limit the scope and membership of the 'Board of Peace'.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who launched the 'Board of Peace' initiative to help resolve global conflicts, which has drawn criticism from Brazil's leftist government.

Celso Amorim

Lula's top foreign policy adviser who expressed concerns that the 'Board of Peace' could become more effective than the United Nations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Commenting on the invitation offered to Brazil to participate in the Board of Peace, Lula proposed that the body presented by the United States limit itself to the issue of Gaza and include a seat for Palestine [sic].”

— Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil

“The letter [invitation to the Board of Peace] is confusing because it starts to talk about one thing and then it starts lengthening the appendix document. It represents, in practice, a revocation of the UN, over all in the area of peace and security. This part, certainly, I don't see how to accept.”

— Celso Amorim, Lula's Top Foreign Policy Adviser

What’s next

Lula is expected to visit the White House to meet with Trump in the near future to further discuss the 'Board of Peace' initiative.

The takeaway

The dispute over the scope and membership of Trump's 'Board of Peace' highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Brazil, as well as broader debates about the role of international institutions in resolving global conflicts. Lula's leftist government sees the board as a challenge to the authority of the United Nations, underscoring the political divides surrounding efforts to address international crises.